Identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application environment

ABSTRACT

A method and system for identifying and resolving separation of duties (SOD) conflicts in a multi-application environment. An SOD conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy is identified. The first and second authorizations are permissions allowing the person to perform, respectively, a first action provided by a first application and a second action provided by a second application. An optimal recommended action that resolves the SOD conflict is retrieved from a first database table that includes an association between the identified SOD conflict and the optimal recommended action. After the optimal recommended action is displayed on a display device, a user&#39;s acceptance of the optimal recommended action is received. In response, the optimal recommended action is performed by automatically deleting from a second database table an association between the person and the first or second authorization.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data processing technique for identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application environment and more particularly to a technique for automatically determining and presenting optimal resolutions to separation of duties conflicts that are identified across applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In large corporations that rely on several different applications to run their day-to-day operations, it is difficult to keep track of and review all application authorizations. More importantly, it is difficult to understand how those authorizations interact with each other to determine if there is a separation of duties conflict pertaining to any one employee. As the number and complexity of the applications increases, it becomes more problematical to identify and resolve these conflicts. Not being able to easily identify and resolve these conflicts may allow a user to be granted all the necessary components to maliciously damage the business. Not having efficient control and understanding of all authorizations and how the authorizations interact from a separation of duties perspective also puts the business in legal jeopardy. Thus, there exists a need to overcome at least one of the preceding deficiencies and limitations of the related art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a computer-implemented method of identifying and resolving separation of duties (SOD) conflicts in a multi-application computing environment. An SOD conflict is identified. The identified SOD conflict is based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy that prohibits any one person from being granted both the first authorization and the second authorization. The first authorization is a permission that is granted to the person and that allows the person to perform a first action provided by a first application. The second authorization is a permission that is granted to the person and that allows the person to perform a second action provided by a second application. The first application and second application are different applications in the multi-application computing environment. Responsive to identifying the SOD conflict, an optimal recommended action resolving the SOD conflict is retrieved from a first database table based on the first database table associating the SOD conflict with the optimal recommended action. After retrieving the optimal recommended action, display of the optimal recommended action on a display device is initiated. After initiating display of the optimal recommended action, an acceptance of the optimal recommended action is received from a computing unit utilized by an end user. In response to receiving the acceptance, the optimal recommended action is automatically performed to resolve the SOD conflict by deleting a first association or a second association in a second database table. The first association is an association between the first authorization and the person. The second association is an association between the second authorization and the person. The second database table includes authorizations including the second authorization. The authorizations in the second database table include permission(s) granted to the person that allow the person to perform action(s) provided by application(s) that include the second application. The application(s) are included in the multi-application computing environment. A system and computer program product corresponding to the above-summarized method are also described and claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an authorization request process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a cross-application authorization revalidation process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an ad hoc separation of duties conflicts analysis process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B depict a flowchart of a manual implementation of a system-wide separation of duties conflicts analysis process, where the process is implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an automatic implementation of a system-wide separation of duties conflicts analysis process, where the process is implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing system that is included in the system of FIG. 1 and that implements one or more of the processes of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B and 6, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Overview

Embodiments of the present invention identify any authorizations (a.k.a. authorities or entitlements) previously granted or currently requested by a person that cause a violation of a cross-application separation of duties (SOD) policy (i.e., identifies an SOD conflict). These embodiments also intelligently determine and present a recommended action to resolve the identified SOD conflict. An example of an SOD conflict is a result of granting one person a first authority to submit billable hours for approval and granting the same person a second authority to approve his or her billable hour requests. The implementation of the present invention may begin with one or more users defining SOD conflicts by describing various attributes of authorizations that violate SOD policy across multiple applications. In response to receiving a new request for an authorization, one embodiment of the present invention (1) determines the attributes of the new request, (2) determines if the new request violates an SOD based on previously defined cross-application SOD conflicts, and (3) presents one or more recommended actions to resolve any identified SOD conflict. Another embodiment of the present invention (1) reviews existing authorizations, (2) identifies any SOD conflicts by determining whether any of the existing authorizations violate the SOD policy based on previously defined cross-application SOD conflicts, and (3) presents one or more recommended actions to resolve each identified SOD conflict. Furthermore, other embodiments of the present invention include ad hoc analyses and system-wide analyses using scheduled jobs that identify SOD conflicts across applications and recommend actions to resolve the identified SOD conflicts.

As used herein, an authorization is defined as a permission that is granted to a user and that allows the user to perform an action provided by an application.

System for Identifying and Resolving SOD Conflicts

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 100 may include a server computing system 102, one or more data storage devices 104 (a.k.a. data storage), and one or more computing units that send requests to and receive SOD conflicts, SOD from server computing system 102. The one or more computing units may include a user computing unit 106, a first manager computing unit 108, an administrator computing unit 110, and/or a second manager computing unit 112.

Server computing unit 102 communicates with computing units 106, 108, 110 and 112 via a network 114 (e.g., the Internet). Server computing unit 102 may receive one or more requests for SOD authorizations from user computing unit 106 via network 114. Server computing unit 102 may receive one or more SOD revalidation requests from first manager computing unit 108 and/or second manager computing unit 112. Server computing unit 102 may receive one or more requests for ad hoc SOD conflicts analyses from administrator computing unit 110. In other embodiments, a request for the aforementioned authorization, revalidation, or an ad hoc analysis is received by computing system 102 from one of the other computing units shown in FIG. 1 or from a computing unit that is not shown in FIG. 1.

Server computing unit 102 may send a report that identifies one or more SOD conflicts for display at computing unit 108 and a report that identifies one or more recommended actions (a.k.a. SOD recommended actions) to resolve SOD conflicts for display at computing unit 112. In one embodiment, computing unit 108 is different from computing unit 112 and a first manager that views the report identifying SOD conflict(s) at computing unit 108 is different from a second manager that views the SOD recommended action(s) at computing unit 112. In another embodiment, computing units 108 and 112 are the same computing unit and/or the first manager who views the SOD conflict(s) report and the second manager who views the SOD recommendation(s) report are the same person.

Server computing system 102 may include one or more of the following software components: a job scheduler 116, a report writing function 118, a report output function 120, an entitlement function 122 for request forms, system-wide comparison code 124, and a revalidation function 126. Server computing system 102 also includes audit logic processing code 128. The features provided by the aforementioned software components of server computing system 102 are described below relative to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B, and 6. In a first embodiment (see FIG. 2), server computing system 102 includes entitlement function 122 and audit logic processing code 128, and the other components shown in computing system 102 are optional. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 3), server computing system 102 includes revalidation function 126 and audit logic processing code 128, and the other components shown in computing system 102 are optional. In a third embodiment (see FIG. 4), server computing system 102 includes report writing function 118, report output function 120 and audit logic processing code 128, and the other components shown in computing system 102 are optional. In a fourth embodiment (see FIGS. 5A-5B or FIG. 6), server computing system 102 includes job scheduler 116 and system-wide comparison code 124, and the other components shown in computing system 102 are optional. Other embodiments may include any combination of the aforementioned first, second, third and fourth embodiments.

In one embodiment, data storage 104 includes one or more databases that following database tables: an authorization reference data table 130, an organizational data table 132, an application reference data table 134, a user data table 136, an SOD reference data table 138, an assigned authorities table 140, and a resolution matrix 142. In another embodiment, data storage 104 includes authorization reference data table 130, user data table 136, SOD reference data table 132, assigned authorities table 140 and resolution matrix 142.

User data table 136 includes user (e.g., employee) information such as user identifiers. Authorization reference data table 130 includes attributes that specify authorizations and applications associated with the authorizations in a one-to-one correspondence. The authorizations specified in authorization reference data table 130 can be requested to be granted to a user who is identified in user data table 136 and who is a user of the corresponding application. If a user is granted an authorization, then the user “owns” that authorization. The applications included in data table 130 are all the applications in the multi-application computing environment. Thus, authorization reference data table 130 is a master table that includes attributes of authorizations for all applications of the multi-application computing environment.

Assigned authorities table 140 associates, in a one-to-many correspondence, users identified in user data table 136 with authorizations included in authorization reference table 130. Thus, assigned authorities table 140 specifies assignments to users of authorizations related to all applications in the multi-application computing environment. In one embodiment, assigned authorities table 140 associates serial numbers with identifiers, where the serial numbers identify authorizations and the identifiers identify the users to whom the authorizations are granted.

SOD reference data table 138 specifies SOD conflicts and associates the SOD conflicts in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple applications of the multi-application computing environment. In one embodiment, the SOD reference data table acts as a company's master SOD conflict matrix. Resolution matrix 142 specifies recommended actions to resolve SOD conflicts. Resolution matrix 142 associates each SOD conflict specified in table 138 with one or more recommended actions to resolve the SOD conflict. In one embodiment, each record of resolution matrix 142 includes an error code that identifies an SOD conflict, conflict text that describes the SOD conflict, recommendation text that describes a recommended action, and an action code that triggers an execution of code to perform the recommended action.

Organizational data table 132 includes data related to organizational parameters (e.g., organizational levels and locations). For example, the data in table 132 allows an ad hoc analysis of SOD conflicts to be limited to SOD conflicts within a single level of an organization (e.g., within a single department or a single line of business). Application reference data table 134 includes data related to software applications, which allows an ad hoc analysis of SOD conflicts to be limited to SOD conflicts that include at least one authorization related to a specified application.

The data stored in data storage 104 is described in more detail below relative to the section entitled Setup Steps and relative to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B, and 6.

Setup Steps

Prior to the processes described below (see FIGS. 2-4, 5A-5B and 6), one or more administrators using computing units (e.g., computing unit 110 of FIG. 1) pre-define authorization reference data (i.e., authorizations). The administrator(s) use their computing units to send the pre-defined authorization reference data to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1), which then stores the authorization reference data in authorization reference data table 130 (see FIG. 1) for each software application of a multi-application computing environment. In authorization reference data table 130 (see FIG. 1) associates each authorization with a corresponding application of the multi-application computing environment. The authorization reference data includes attributes that specify what a particular authorization allows a user to do in a particular application. For example, authorization reference data may specify that in Application A, Authority XYZ (i.e., attribute 1) allows a user to “Update Production Data” (i.e., attribute 2), and the relevant production data is Labor Data (i.e., attribute 3).

In response to each authorization being pre-defined, a unique person identifier is specified for that authorization. Thus, the pre-defined authorizations are associated with unique person identifiers in a one-to-one correspondence. The individual identified by a unique person identifier owns the pre-defined authorization that corresponds to the unique person identifier. The unique person identifiers are commonly accessed across the multiple applications of the multi-application environment. The server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) stores the unique person identifiers in user data table 136 (see FIG. 1).

Prior to the processes described below (see FIGS. 2-4, 5A-5B and 6), and for each application of the multi-application computing environment, the one or more administrators use their computing units (e.g., computing unit 110 of FIG. 1) to pre-define SOD conflicts. The pre-defined SOD conflicts (e.g., collected in a template format) identify tasks (i.e., actions) that, if performed by an individual, cause a violation of SOD policy. The identified tasks that cause an SOD conflict may be performed in a single application or each task of the identified tasks may be performed in a corresponding application of multiple applications. A person may be granted an authorization to perform each of the identified tasks. The computing units of the one or more administrators send the pre-defined SOD conflicts to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1), which then stores the pre-defined SOD conflicts in SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1). SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1) associates an authorization to perform each task of a pre-defined SOD conflict with a corresponding application of the multi-application computing environment. The pre-defined SOD conflicts in the SOD reference data table may act as a business entity's master SOD conflict matrix that specifies SOD conflicts across multiple applications.

Prior to the processes described below (see FIGS. 2-4, 5A-5B and 6), and for each application of the multi-application computing environment, the one or more administrators use their computing units (e.g., computing unit 110 of FIG. 1) to pre-define recommended actions (i.e., resolutions) that resolve the SOD conflicts stored in SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1). Thus, each SOD conflict in table 138 (see FIG. 1) is associated with one or more pre-defined recommended actions. The computing units used by the administrator(s) send the pre-defined recommended actions to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1), which then stores the pre-defined recommended actions in resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1).

Process for Identifying and Resolving SOD Conflicts

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an authorization request process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The authorization request process begins at step 200. In step 202, an end user utilizes computing unit 106 (see FIG. 1) to view a webform for submitting an access request (i.e., a request for a new authorization) in a multi-application computing environment. The webform is provided by entitlement function 122 (see FIG. 1). The end user enters a new authorization and an identification of a person (e.g., employee) in the webform. The person identified in the request is a person for whom the new authorization is being requested. In step 204, the request is submitted to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1).

In step 206, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) (a.k.a. audit logic) is executed. The audit logic retrieves assigned authorities from assigned authorities table 140 (see FIG. 1), which specifies all authorizations that are owned by the person identified in the webform (see step 202) and that are associated with a particular application. For each authorization owned by the identified person, the audit logic compares the new authorization's attributes (i.e., what the authorization allows the person to do) and the data related thereto (e.g., the Labor Data in the example presented above) to the SOD reference data stored in SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1) to determine if there is an SOD conflict.

The comparison between the new authorization's attributes and to the SOD reference data is performed across multiple applications in the multi-application computing environment. That is, a new authorization that is associated with a first application is compared in step 206 to SOD reference data associated with the first application and with SOD reference data associated with one or more other applications.

If audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) determines the existence of one or more SOD conflicts in step 208 (i.e., identifies one or more SOD conflicts), then audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) retrieves text (i.e., conflict text) from resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1), where the conflict text describes the identified SOD conflict(s). After the conflict text is retrieved, step 210 includes the audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiating a display of the conflict text on a display device. For example, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) sends the conflict text to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 106 of FIG. 1) and the computing unit then displays the conflict text on a display device coupled to the computing unit.

As one example, the identified SOD conflict is described by Authorization 1 being in conflict with Authorization 2, where Authorization 1 is associated with Application A, while Authorization 2 is associated with Application B, which is different from Application A. As another example, the identified SOD conflict is described by Authorization being in conflict with Authorization 2, where both Authorization 1 and Authorization 2 are associated with Application A.

The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) also retrieves recommendation text from resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1) in response to identifying one or more SOD conflicts in step 208. The retrieved recommendation text describes one or more recommended actions for resolving each SOD conflict identified in step 208. In step 212, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) initiates a presentation of the recommendation text (a.k.a. the presented recommended action(s)) (e.g., initiates a display of the one or more recommended actions on a display device). In one embodiment, in step 212, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) sends the recommendation text to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 106 of FIG. 1) and the computing unit then displays the one or more recommended actions on a display device coupled to the computing unit.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) retrieves a single recommended action for each of the identified SOD conflicts in step 212, where each single recommended action is a pre-defined optimal action for resolving one of the identified SOD conflicts.

In one embodiment, in step 210, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of the recommended action(s) on a display device coupled to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 106 of FIG. 1).

If the end user accepts one or more of the presented recommended action(s) in step 214, then server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the user's acceptance of one or more of the presented recommended action(s) (a.k.a. the accepted recommended action(s)) and the Yes branch of step 214 is followed; otherwise, the server computing system receives the user's rejection of the presented recommended action(s) and the No branch of step 214 is followed. In step 216, which follows the Yes branch of step 214, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) automatically performs the accepted recommended action(s) (e.g., to remove an authorization from the assigned authorities table 140 so that the authorization is no longer owned by the person identified in the request), thereby resolving an identified SOD conflict. Step 216 also includes server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) creating the requested authorization by storing in assigned authorities table 140 an association between the requested authorization and the person identified in the request. Following step 216, the authorization request process ends at step 218.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) presents multiple alternative recommended actions (or multiple alternative sets of recommended actions) in step 212 along with rankings of the recommended actions (or sets of recommended actions), where the rankings are determined according to pre-defined criteria stored in a database residing in a computer data storage device coupled to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1). The user may accept an optimal recommended action (or an optimal set of recommended actions) in step 214 by selecting the highest ranked recommended action (or highest ranked set of recommended actions).

In one embodiment, in step 212, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of one or more recommended actions on a display device as a selectable list of one or more authorizations (or one or more sets of authorizations), where each listed authorization (or set of authorizations) needs to be removed to resolve an SOD conflict identified in step 208. The listed authorization(s) (or set(s) of authorizations) are authorization(s) previously assigned to the person identified on the request submitted in step 204. In the embodiment described in this paragraph, the end user accepts a recommended action in step 214 by using a graphical user interface to select an authorization (or set of authorizations) from the selectable list displayed in step 212. Audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) then removes the selected authorization (or selected set of authorizations) from assigned authorities table 140 (see FIG. 1) so that the selected authorization (or selected set of authorizations) is no longer associated with the person identified in the request, thereby resolving an identified SOD conflict.

Returning to step 214, if the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) does not receive from the end user an acceptance of any of the presented recommended action(s), then in step 220 the requested authorization is not created (i.e., not stored in assigned authorities table 140 of FIG. 1 so as to be associated with the person identified in the request) and the process ends at step 218.

Returning to step 208, if audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) determines that no SOD conflicts exist, then the requested authorization is created in step 222 by including in assigned authorities table 140 an association between the requested authorization and the person identified in the request. Following step 222, the authorization request process ends at step 218.

Revalidation Process

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a cross-application authorization revalidation process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The cross-application authorization revalidation process of FIG. 3 is used, for example, by a manager who is required by regulations or business standards to periodically review existing authorizations to determine if the authorizations are currently valid. The authorization revalidation process begins at step 300. In step 302, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) or another computing system sends a revalidation request to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 108 of FIG. 1) utilized by a manager or another end user. The revalidation request is a request to revalidate an authorization (a.k.a. the authorization being revalidated) owned by a person identified in the revalidation request. For example, the manager receives a revalidation request in an email with a link to a revalidation webform. The revalidation webform is provided by revalidation function 126 (see FIG. 1). In step 304, the manager either approves or rejects the authorization included in the revalidation request. Also in step 304, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the manager's approval or rejection of the authorization included in the revalidation request.

If the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the manager's rejection of the authorization in step 304, then in step 306, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) (a.k.a. audit logic) is executed. From assigned authorities table 140, the audit logic retrieves authorizations owned by the person identified in the request. The audit logic determines whether the authorization being revalidated together with any of the retrieved authorizations identify an SOD conflict that is specified in SOD reference data table 138. The authorization being revalidated and a retrieved authorization that identify an SOD conflict may be specified in different applications or in the same application.

In step 308, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) determines whether or not there exist any SOD conflicts related to the authorization being revalidated. The examples of identified SOD conflicts presented above relative to FIG. 2 also apply to an SOD conflict identified in step 308.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) identifies SOD conflicts in step 308 across the multiple applications of the multi-application computing environment. That is, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) identifies at least one SOD conflict in step 308 that specifies a conflict between a first authorization and a second authorization, where the first authorization is associated with a first application, the second authorization is associated with a second application, and the first and second applications are different applications.

If audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) determines that one or more SOD conflicts exist (i.e., identifies one or more SOD conflicts) in step 308, then audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) retrieves text (i.e., conflict text) from resolution matrix 142. The retrieved conflict text describes the SOD conflict(s) identified in step 308. Subsequent to the retrieval of the conflict text, the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of the conflict text on a display device in step 310. In one embodiment, in step 310, the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) sends the conflict text to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 108 of FIG. 1) and the computing unit then displays the conflict text on a display device coupled to the computing unit. In one embodiment, server computing system 102 also displays the conflict text.

In one embodiment, in step 310, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of the conflict text on a display device coupled to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 108 of FIG. 1).

The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) also retrieves recommendation text from resolution matrix 142 in response to identifying one or more SOD conflicts in step 308. The recommendation text describes one or more recommended actions for resolving each SOD conflict identified in step 308. After the retrieval of the recommendation text, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of the recommendation text (a.k.a. the presented recommended action(s)) in step 312. In one embodiment, in step 312, the server computing system sends the recommendation text to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 112 of FIG. 1) and the computing unit presents (i.e., displays) the recommendation text on a display device coupled to the computing unit.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) presents a single recommended action in step 312 for each of the identified SOD conflicts, where each single recommended action is a pre-defined optimal action for resolving one of the identified SOD conflicts.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of the recommendation text on a display device coupled to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 112 of FIG. 1).

If the manager accepts one or more of the presented recommended action(s) in step 314, then the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the manager's acceptance of one or more of the presented recommended action(s) (a.k.a. the accepted recommended action(s)) and the Yes branch of step 314 is followed; otherwise, the server computing system receives the manager's rejection of the presented recommended action(s) and the No branch of step 314 is followed. In step 316, which follows the Yes branch of step 314, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) automatically performs the accepted recommended action(s) (e.g., to remove an authorization from assigned authorities 140 so that the authorization is no longer associated with the person identified in the request), thereby resolving an identified SOD conflict. The authorization request process ends at step 318.

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) presents multiple alternative recommended actions (or multiple alternative sets of recommended actions) in step 312 along with rankings of the recommended actions (or sets of recommended actions), where the rankings are determined according to pre-defined criteria stored in a database residing in a computer data storage device coupled to server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1). The manager may accept an optimal recommended action (or an optimal set of recommended actions) in step 314 by selecting the highest ranked recommended action (or highest ranked set of recommended actions).

In one embodiment, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of one or more recommended actions on a display device in step 312 as a selectable list of one or more authorizations (or one or more sets of authorizations), where each listed authorization (or set of authorizations) needs to be removed to resolve an SOD conflict identified in step 308. The listed authorization(s) (or set(s) of authorizations) are authorization(s) previously assigned to the person identified in the request (i.e., the person whose authorization is being revalidated). In the embodiment described in this paragraph, the manager accepts a recommended action in step 314 by using a graphical user interface to select an authorization (or set of authorizations) from the selectable list displayed in step 312. Audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) then removes the selected authorization (or selected set of authorizations) from assigned authorities table 140 so that the selected authorization (or selected set of authorizations) is no longer associated with the person identified in the request, thereby resolving an SOD conflict identified in step 308.

Returning to step 314, if the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) does not receive from the manager an acceptance of any of the presented recommended action(s), then in step 320 the manager performs another action to remove one or more authorizations from assigned authorities table 140, thereby resolving an SOD conflict identified in step 308. As one example, if the identified SOD conflict is caused by a first authorization and a second authorization, and the recommended action is to delete the first authorization from assigned authorities table 140, the manager may instead delete the second authorization from assigned authorities table 140 in step 320 to resolve the identified SOD (or the manager may remove both the first authorization and the second authorization from the assigned authorities table). Following step 320, the revalidation request process ends at step 318.

Returning to step 308, if audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) determines that no SOD conflicts exist, then in step 322 the authorization being revalidated remains in data storage 104 (see FIG. 1) (e.g., remains in assigned authorities table 140) and the revalidation request process then ends at step 318.

Returning to step 304, if the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the manager's approval of the authorization being revalidated, then in step 326 the authorization remains in data storage 104 (see FIG. 1) (e.g., remains in assigned authorities table 140) and the revalidation request process ends at step 328.

Ad Hoc SOD Conflicts Analysis

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an ad hoc separation of duties conflicts analysis process implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The ad hoc analysis starts at step 400. In step 402, a requester specifies data fields to be specified as output. The requester specifies the data fields in step 402 by writing a query using report writing function 118 (see FIG. 1). The specified data fields include attribute data, such as user attributes (e.g., user identifiers) stored in user data table 136, attributes of authorizations (i.e., authority attributes) stored in authorization reference data table 130, assigned authority data (i.e., authorizations assigned to particular users) stored in assigned authorities table 140, organizational attributes stored in organizational data table 132, application attributes stored in application reference data table 134, SOD conflict attributes stored in SOD reference data 138, and resolution attributes stored in resolution matrix 142. Also in step 402, server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) receives the query that specifies the aforementioned data fields.

In the aforementioned query, the requester specifies join criteria between tables to analyze authorizations against the aggregate SOD matrix (i.e., SOD reference data table 138) to identify SOD conflicts across multiple applications of the multi-application computing environment. The requester specifies the join criteria in step 404 via the aforementioned query that uses report writing function 118 (see FIG. 1). For example, the requester specifies join criteria between assigned authorities table 140 and SOD reference data table 138. In one embodiment, the requester specifying data fields in step 402 is a manager using a webform to analyze authorizations against the aggregate SOD matrix. In step 404, the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) obtains the requester-specified join criteria between tables from the query received in step 402.

In the aforementioned query, the requester specifies one or more data filters to limit the authorizations being analyzed to a set of authorizations that satisfies conditions specified in the data filter(s). The requester specifies the data filter(s) in step 406 via the aforementioned query that uses report writing function 118 (see FIG. 1). In one embodiment, a filter specified in step 406 limits the authorizations by a selected department or other organizational unit of a business entity. For example, a manager specifies a filter in step 406 that limits the analyzed authorizations to only those authorizations owned by employees of the manager's department. In step 406, the server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) obtains the requester-specified data filter(s) from the query received in step 402.

In step 408, report writing function 118 (see FIG. 1) processes the query used in steps 402, 404 and 406 to cross reference authorizations associated with specified users and included in assigned authorities table 140 against the aggregate SOD matrix to identify SOD conflicts and recommended actions to resolve the identified SOD conflicts. Also in step 408, report writing function 118 (see FIG. 1) processes the query used in steps 402, 404 and 406 to generate a report that includes the identified SOD conflicts and recommended actions to resolve the SOD conflicts. In step 410, report output function 120 (see FIG. 1) outputs the generated report for display on a display device coupled to a computing unit (e.g., computing unit 110 of FIG. 1).

In step 412, the recommended actions are processed either manually or automatically to resolve the identified SOD conflicts. In one embodiment, each recommended action is associated with a graphical user interface (GUI) element (e.g., a button) on the report. If the manager approves a recommended action, the manager activates the GUI element associated with the recommended action, and the recommended action is automatically performed by server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) in step 412, thereby resolving an SOD conflict. For example, by activating a GUI element associated with a recommended action, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) reads an action code in resolution matrix 142 that is associated with an identified SOD conflict, thereby triggering a deletion of an authorization to resolve the identified SOD conflict (i.e., a deletion of the authorization from assigned authorities table 140).

If the manager rejects the recommended action, then the manager must resolve the SOD conflict by manually performing in step 412 the recommended action or one or more other actions as an alternative to the recommended action. Following step 412, the ad hoc analysis ends at step 414.

System-Wide SOD Conflicts Analysis

FIGS. 5A-5B depict a flowchart of a manual implementation of a system-wide separation of duties conflicts analysis process using a scheduled job, where the process is implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The manual system-wide SOD conflicts analysis is periodically executed using a scheduled job and begins at step 500 in FIG. 5A. In step 502, job scheduler 116 (see FIG. 1) calls the scheduled job for performing a periodic system-wide analysis of SOD conflicts. Relative to the discussion of FIGS. 5A-5B, the scheduled job called in step 502 is also referred to simply as “the job.” As used herein, “system-wide analysis” refers to an SOD conflict analysis applied to multiple software applications of a system.

In step 504, the job pulls organizational data from organizational data table 132. In step 506, the job pulls user data from user data table 136. In step 508, the job pulls all assigned authorities from assigned authorities table 140. In step 510, the job pulls all authorization reference data from authorization reference data table 130. In step 512, the job pulls application reference data from application reference data table 134. In step 514, the job pulls SOD conflicts from SOD reference data table 138. In step 516, the job pulls resolution reference data (i.e., recommended actions) from resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1).

Step 518 of FIG. 5B follows step 516. In step 518, system-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) compares the assigned authorities pulled in step 508 to the pulled SOD conflicts (see step 514). Based on the comparison in step 518, system-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) identifies one or more SOD conflicts caused by the assigned authorities pulled in step 508. System-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) also identifies set(s) of one or more recommended actions included in the resolution reference data pulled in step 516, where each set of one or more recommended actions resolves a corresponding SOD conflict included in the SOD conflict(s) identified in step 518.

In step 520, audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) initiates a display of a report that includes the set(s) of one or more recommended actions to resolve the SOD conflict(s) identified in step 518. The report of the set(s) of one or more recommended actions is displayed at a display device coupled to computing unit 110 (see FIG. 1) or to another computing unit. In step 522, administrator(s) manually activate GUI element(s) or manually enter responses on the report to perform the recommended action(s) included in the report. For example, an administrator may provide a Yes response to initiate a performance of a recommended action by server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1). The manual system-wide SOD conflicts analysis using a scheduled job ends at step 524.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an automatic implementation of a system-wide separation of duties conflicts analysis process, where the process is implemented in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The automatic system-wide SOD conflicts analysis using a scheduled job begins at step 600. In step 602, job scheduler 116 (see FIG. 1) calls a scheduled job for performing a system-wide analysis of SOD conflicts. Relative to the discussion of FIG. 6, the scheduled job called in step 602 is also referred to simply as “the job.”

In step 604, the job pulls all assigned authorities from assigned authorities table 140. In step 606, the job pulls all authorization reference data from authorization reference data table 130. In step 608, the job pulls SOD conflicts from SOD reference data table 138. In step 610, system-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) compares the assigned authorities pulled in step 604 to the SOD conflicts pulled in step 608. Based on the comparison in step 610, system-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) identifies one or more SOD conflicts caused by the assigned authorities pulled in step 604.

In step 612, system-wide comparison code 124 (see FIG. 1) identifies set(s) of one or more recommended actions included in resolution reference data pulled from resolution matrix 142. Each identified set of one or more recommended actions resolves a corresponding SOD conflict included in the one or more SOD conflicts identified in step 610. Also in step 612, the job automatically performs the identified set(s) of one or more recommended actions, thereby resolving the identified SOD conflict(s).

EXAMPLE 1

In a first example, the following two authorizations are defined in authorization reference data table 130 (see FIG. 1):

-   -   Authority 1 in labor claiming Application 1: “Ability to Claim         Labor for Others”, which indicates an ability to submit a labor         expense charge for others.     -   Authority 2 in labor approving Application 2: “Ability to         Approve Labor”, which indicates an ability to approve a labor         expense charge.

In the SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1), a conflict record identifies Authority 1 and Authority 2 as an SOD conflict. As part of this conflict record, an error code (i.e., ERR1) is stored. In user data table 136 (see FIG. 1), an employee data record includes the employee identifier “John Doe.” The employee John Doe currently has one authorization (i.e., Authority 1) identified in assigned authorities table 140 (see FIG. 1).

In this first example, employee John Doe applies for Authority 2 using a request webform (see step 202 in FIG. 2). In response to John Doe submitting the request in step 204 (see FIG. 2), the audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) checks in step 208 (see FIG. 2) to determine if the newly requested authorization (i.e., Authority 2) conflicts with any of John Doe's current authorizations (i.e., Authority 1). The audit logic processing code cross references the current authorization (i.e., Authority 1) with the newly requested authorization (i.e., Authority 2) and determines that an SOD conflict exists between Authority 1 and Authority 2. The audit logic processing code returns the error code (i.e., ERR1) from the conflict record.

Based on the returned error code (i.e., ERR1), the audit logic processing code looks up text (i.e., conflict text) that describes an SOD conflict and one or more recommended actions that are associated with the error code in resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1). The conflict text and recommended action(s) resulting from the lookup are automatically returned to John Doe on the request webform screen. In this example, step 210 displays the following conflict text resulting from the resolution matrix lookup: “You cannot claim labor for others and approve labor.” Further, step 212 displays the following recommendation text resulting from the resolution matrix lookup: “Reject current request and open a new labor approval authorization request for an administrator in your group that does not claim labor for others.”

In response to receiving the recommended action on the request webform, the requester John Doe chooses to either accept the recommended action suggested by audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) (i.e., Yes branch of step 214 of FIG. 2) or simply close the request without creating the authorization (i.e., No branch of step 214 of FIG. 2).

In this example, John Doe accepts the recommended action (i.e., Yes branch of step 214 of FIG. 2). The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) then reads an action code (i.e., ACT1) that is associated with the error code ERR1 in the resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1). The action code triggers code executed by server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) that (1) closes out the current request, (2) looks up a person (a.k.a. a valid person) in John Doe's group (e.g., department or organization) who does not have Authority 1, and (3) automatically opens an access request webform to request that Authority 2 be granted to the valid person. The access request webform is then submitted and successfully processed, thereby granting Authority 2 to the valid person.

EXAMPLE 2

In a second example, the following two authorizations are defined in authorization reference data table 130 (see FIG. 1):

-   -   Authority 3 in account managing Application 3: “Ability to         Manage an Account.”     -   Authority 1 in labor claiming Application 1: “Ability to Claim         Labor for Others”, which indicates an ability to submit a labor         expense charge for others.

In the SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1), a conflict record identifies Authority 3 and Authority 1 as an SOD conflict. As part of this conflict record, an error code (i.e., ERR2) is stored. In user data table 136 (see FIG. 1), an employee data record includes the employee identifier “Jane Smith” The employee Jane Smith currently has one authorization (i.e., Authority 1) identified in assigned authorities table 140 (see FIG. 1).

In this second example, employee John Doe applies for Authority 3 using a request webform (see step 202 in FIG. 2). In response to Jane Smith submitting the request in step 204 (see FIG. 2), the audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) checks in step 208 (see FIG. 2) to determine if the newly requested authorization (i.e., Authority 3) conflicts with any of Jane Smith's current authorizations (i.e., Authority 1). The audit logic processing code cross references the current authorization (i.e., Authority 1) with the newly requested authorization (i.e., Authority 3) and determines that an SOD conflict exists between Authority 1 and Authority 3. The audit logic processing code returns the error code (i.e., ERR2) from the conflict record.

Based on the returned error code (i.e., ERR2), the audit logic processing code looks up text (i.e., conflict text) that describes an SOD conflict and one or more recommended actions that are associated with the error code in resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1). The conflict text and recommended action(s) resulting from the lookup are automatically returned to Jane Smith on the access request webform screen. In this example, step 210 displays the following conflict text resulting from the resolution matrix lookup: “You cannot manage and claim labor for others for the same account.” Further, step 212 displays the following recommendation text resulting from the resolution matrix lookup: “Delete authority to claim labor for others and process requested access for account management.”

In response to receiving the recommended action on the access request webform, the requester Jane Smith chooses either to accept the recommended action suggested by audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) (i.e., Yes branch of step 214 of FIG. 2) or simply close the request without creating the authorization (i.e., No branch of step 214 of FIG. 2).

In this example, Jane Smith accepts the recommended action (i.e., Yes branch of step 214 of FIG. 2). The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) then reads an action code (i.e., ACT2) that is associated with the error code ERR2 in the resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1). The action code triggers code executed by server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) that (1) deletes Jane Smith's ownership of Authority 1, (2) processes the access request webform that includes the request to grant Authority 3 to Jane Smith, and (3) forwards the request on the access request webform to Jane Smith's manager for approval. In response to receiving the approval from Jane Smith's manager, Authority 3 is granted to Jane Smith.

EXAMPLE 3

In a third example, the following two authorizations are defined in authorization reference data table 130 (see FIG. 1):

-   -   Authority 3 in account managing Application 3: “Ability to         Manage an Account.”     -   Authority 2 in labor approving Application 2: “Ability to         Approve Labor”, which indicates an ability to approve a labor         expense charge.

In user data table 136 (see FIG. 1), an employee data record includes the employee identifier “Robert Jones” The employee Robert Jones currently has Authority 2 and Authority 3, which is specified in assigned authorities table 140 (see FIG. 1).

In this second example, after Robert Jones was granted Authority 2 and Authority 3, a change in business rules occurs that indicates that Authority 2 and Authority 3 are now in conflict. The business rules change is reflected in an update to SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1). The update to the SOD reference data table is a new conflict record that indicates an SOD conflict between Authority 2 and Authority 3. The new conflict record stores an error code (i.e., ERR3).

As a result of the business rules change, a revalidation effort is initiated. Robert Jones' manager receives a revalidation request in step 302 (see FIG. 3) in an email that includes a hyperlink to a revalidation webform. The manager activates the hyperlink and the resulting revalidation webform presents employee data related to Robert Jones, as well as Authority 2 and Authority 3. The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) identifies an SOD conflict between Authority 2 and Authority 3 in step 308 (see FIG. 3) based on the new conflict record in SOD reference data table 138 (see FIG. 1). The revalidation webform flags both Authority 2 and Authority 3 as being in conflict per the new conflict record.

The revalidation webform also includes a recommendation button that the manager may activate to display one or more recommended actions that can be selected to resolve the identified SOD conflict. The manager activates (i.e., clicks on) the recommendation button and in response, the audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) retrieves the error code (i.e., ERR3) from the new conflict record and looks up conflict text in resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1) based on the error code. The conflict text describes the identified SOD conflict. In this example, step 310 (see FIG. 3) looks up and displays the following conflict text resulting from the resolution matrix lookup: “You cannot manage and approve labor for the same account.” The conflict text is displayed to the manager on the revalidation webform.

The resolution matrix lookup also looks up recommendation text associated with the error code (i.e., ERR3), where the recommendation text describes one or more recommended actions to resolve the identified SOD conflict. In this example, the following recommendation text results from the resolution matrix lookup and is automatically displayed to the manager on the revalidation webform in step 312 (see FIG. 3): “Delete authority to approve labor and keep authority for account management.”

In response to receiving the recommended action on the revalidation webform, the manager chooses either to accept the recommended action suggested by audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) (i.e., Yes branch of step 314 of FIG. 3) or simply close the request (i.e., No branch of step 314 of FIG. 3).

In this example, the manager accepts the recommended action (i.e., Yes branch of step 314 of FIG. 3). The audit logic processing code 128 (see FIG. 1) then reads an action code (i.e., ACT3) that is associated with the error code ERR3 in the resolution matrix 142 (see FIG. 1). The action code triggers code executed by server computing system 102 (see FIG. 1) that (1) deletes Robert Jones' ownership of Authority 2 and (2) closes out the revalidation webform.

If the displayed recommended action was not accepted in step 314 (see FIG. 3), then the manager must resolve the identified SOD conflict without being facilitated by the audit logic processing code (e.g., by deleting Robert Jones' ownership of Authority 3 or by deleting Robert Jones' ownership of Authority 2 and Authority 3).

Computing System

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing system that is included in the system of FIG. 1 and that implements one or more of the processes of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B and 6, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Server computing system 102 generally comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 702, a memory 704, an input/output (I/O) interface 706, and a bus 708. Further, computing system 102 is coupled to I/O devices 710 and a computer data storage unit 712. CPU 702 performs computation and control functions of computing system 102. CPU 702 may comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations (e.g., on a client and server).

Memory 704 may comprise any known type of computer data storage and/or transmission media, including bulk storage, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, a data object, etc. In one embodiment, cache memory elements of memory 704 provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Moreover, similar to CPU 702, memory 704 may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms. Further, memory 704 can include data distributed across, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

I/O interface 706 comprises any system for exchanging information to or from an external source. I/O devices 710 comprise any known type of external device, including a display device (e.g., monitor), keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers, handheld device, facsimile, etc. Bus 708 provides a communication link between each of the components in computing system 102, and may comprise any type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc.

I/O interface 706 also allows computing system 102 to store and retrieve information (e.g., program instructions or data) from an auxiliary storage device such as computer data storage unit 712. Computer data storage unit 712 may be a non-volatile storage device, such as a magnetic disk drive (i.e., hard disk drive) or an optical disc drive (e.g., a CD-ROM drive which receives a CD-ROM disk). Computing system 102 accesses the data tables in data storage 104 via I/O interface 706. The data tables in data storage 104 may reside in computer data storage unit 712 or in one or more other computer data storage units (not shown).

Memory 704 may include computer program code for one or more of the following functions: job scheduler 116, report writing function 118, report output function 120, entitlement function 122 and revalidation function 126. Memory 704 also may include computer program code that includes system-wide comparison code 124and/or audit logic processing code 128. Audit logic processing code 128 and/or system-wide comparison code 124 provides the logic for identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment (e.g., the process of FIG. 2). Further, memory 704 may include other systems not shown in FIG. 7, such as an operating system (e.g., Linux) that runs on CPU 702 and provides control of various components within and/or connected to computing system 102.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “system” (e.g., system 100 or computing system 102). Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression (e.g., memory 704 or computer data storage unit 712) having computer-usable program code (e.g., audit logic processing code 128) embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable medium(s) (e.g., memory 704 and computer data storage unit 712) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, apparatus, device or propagation medium. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer-readable medium includes: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the computer program (e.g., code 128) is printed, as the computer program can be electronically captured via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory 704. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The computer-usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

Computer program code (e.g., code 128) for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java®, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on a user's computer (e.g., computing system 102), partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network (not shown), including a LAN, a WAN, or the connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The present invention is described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations (e.g., FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B and 6) and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) (e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 7), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions (e.g., code 128). These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor (e.g., CPU 702) of a general purpose computer (e.g., computing system 102), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 704 or computer data storage unit 712) that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer (e.g., computing system 102) or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Any of the components of the present invention can be deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider that offers to deploy or integrate computing infrastructure with respect to the method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment. Thus, the present invention discloses a process for supporting computer infrastructure, comprising integrating, hosting, maintaining and deploying computer-readable code (e.g., code 128) into a computing system (e.g., computing system 102), wherein the code in combination with the computing system is capable of performing a method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, can offer to create, maintain, support, etc. a method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement, and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

The flowcharts in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5A-5B and 6, and the block diagrams in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code (e.g., code 128), which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. A computer-implemented method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment, comprising: a computing system identifying a separation of duties (SOD) conflict, wherein said SOD conflict is a conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy that prohibits any one person from being granted both said first authorization and said second authorization, wherein said first authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a first action provided by a first application, wherein said second authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a second action provided by a second application, and wherein said first application and said second application are different applications in said multi-application computing environment; in response to said computing system identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system retrieving an optimal recommended action from a first database table, wherein said optimal recommended action resolves said SOD conflict, and wherein said first database table associates said SOD conflict with said optimal recommended action; subsequent to said computing system retrieving said optimal recommended action, said computing system initiating display of said optimal recommended action on a display device; subsequent to said computing system initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said computing system receiving an acceptance of said optimal recommended action from a computing unit utilized by an end user; and in response to said computing system receiving said acceptance, said computing system automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action includes deleting a first association in a second database table or a second association in said second database table, wherein said first association is an association between said first authorization and said person, wherein said second association is an association between said second authorization and said person, wherein said second database table includes a plurality of authorizations including said second authorization, wherein said plurality of authorizations include one or more permissions that are granted to said person and that allow said person to perform one or more actions provided by one or more applications that include said second application, wherein said one or more applications are included in said multi-application computing environment, and wherein a result of said automatically performing said optimal recommended action is a resolution of said SOD conflict.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said identifying said SOD conflict includes: said computing system retrieving one or more authorizations from said plurality of authorizations included in said second database table; subsequent to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, said computing system comparing said first authorization and each authorization of said one or more authorizations to each set of reference data of a plurality of sets of reference data stored in a third database table, wherein said plurality of sets of reference data specifies a plurality of SOD conflicts between authorizations owned by said any one person, and wherein said plurality of SOD conflicts includes said SOD conflict; and in response to said comparing, said computing system determining that said first authorization and said second authorization are included in a set of reference data of said plurality of sets of reference data, wherein said set of reference data specifies said SOD conflict.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising prior to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, said computing system receiving a request that includes said person, wherein said request indicates that said person is to be granted said first authorization, wherein said retrieving said one or more authorizations includes searching, in response to said receiving said request, said second database table for any authorization associated with said person based on said person being included in said request, and wherein said searching said second database table includes searching across a plurality of applications of said multi-application computing environment.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, said computing system receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; and subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said computing system identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system retrieving said optimal recommended action, said computing system initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said computing system receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said computing system automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said first association in said second database table.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, said computing system receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said computing system identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system retrieving said optimal recommended action, said computing system initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said computing system receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said computing system automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to said identifying said SOD conflict, said computing system determining a plurality of recommended actions that includes said optimal recommended action; subsequent to said determining said plurality of recommended actions, said computing system presenting said plurality of recommended actions to said end user, wherein said receiving said acceptance includes subsequent to said presenting said plurality of recommended actions, said computing system receiving a selection from said end user of said optimal recommended action from said plurality of recommended actions.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: in response to said determining said plurality of recommended actions, said computing system determining a plurality of rankings of said plurality of recommended actions, wherein said plurality of rankings are based on predefined criteria; and in response to said determining said plurality of rankings, said computing system selecting a first recommended action from said plurality of recommended actions based on said plurality of rankings, wherein said presenting said plurality of recommended actions includes presenting said first recommended action as a preferred recommended action of said plurality of recommended actions, and wherein said receiving said selection of said optimal recommended action includes receiving a selection of said first recommended action or a selection of another recommended action of said plurality of recommended actions.
 9. A computing system comprising a processor and a computer-readable memory unit coupled to said processor, said memory unit containing instructions that when executed by said processor implement a method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment, said method comprising: identifying a separation of duties (SOD) conflict, wherein said SOD conflict is a conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy that prohibits any one person from being granted both said first authorization and said second authorization, wherein said first authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a first action provided by a first application, wherein said second authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a second action provided by a second application, and wherein said first application and said second application are different applications in said multi-application computing environment; in response to said identifying said SOD conflict, retrieving an optimal recommended action from a first database table, wherein said optimal recommended action resolves said SOD conflict, and wherein said first database table associates said SOD conflict with said optimal recommended action; subsequent to said retrieving said optimal recommended action, initiating display of said optimal recommended action on a display device; subsequent to said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, receiving an acceptance of said optimal recommended action from a computing unit utilized by an end user; and in response to said receiving said acceptance, automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action includes deleting a first association in a second database table or a second association in said second database table, wherein said first association is an association between said first authorization and said person, wherein said second association is an association between said second authorization and said person, wherein said second database table includes a plurality of authorizations including said second authorization, wherein said plurality of authorizations include one or more permissions that are granted to said person and that allow said person to perform one or more actions provided by one or more applications that include said second application, wherein said one or more applications are included in said multi-application computing environment, and wherein a result of said automatically performing said optimal recommended action is a resolution of said SOD conflict.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said identifying said SOD conflict includes: retrieving one or more authorizations from said plurality of authorizations included in said second database table; subsequent to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, comparing said first authorization and each authorization of said one or more authorizations to each set of reference data of a plurality of sets of reference data stored in a third database table, wherein said plurality of sets of reference data specifies a plurality of SOD conflicts between authorizations owned by said any one person, and wherein said plurality of SOD conflicts includes said SOD conflict; and in response to said comparing, determining that said first authorization and said second authorization are included in a set of reference data of said plurality of sets of reference data, wherein said set of reference data specifies said SOD conflict.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said method further comprises prior to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, receiving a request that includes said person, wherein said request indicates that said person is to be granted said first authorization, wherein said retrieving said one or more authorizations includes searching, in response to said receiving said request, said second database table for any authorization associated with said person based on said person being included in said request, and wherein said searching said second database table includes searching across a plurality of applications of said multi-application computing environment.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein said method further comprises: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; and subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said identifying said SOD conflict, said retrieving said optimal recommended action, said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said first association in said second database table.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein said method further comprises: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said identifying said SOD conflict, said retrieving said optimal recommended action, said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table.
 15. A computer program product, comprising a computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code embodied therein, said computer-readable program code containing instructions that when executed by a processor of a computing system implement a method of identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application computing environment, said method comprising: identifying a separation of duties (SOD) conflict, wherein said SOD conflict is a conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy that prohibits any one person from being granted both said first authorization and said second authorization, wherein said first authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a first action provided by a first application, wherein said second authorization is a permission that is granted to said person and that allows said person to perform a second action provided by a second application, and wherein said first application and said second application are different applications in said multi-application computing environment; in response to said identifying said SOD conflict, retrieving an optimal recommended action from a first database table, wherein said optimal recommended action resolves said SOD conflict, and wherein said first database table associates said SOD conflict with said optimal recommended action; subsequent to said retrieving said optimal recommended action, initiating display of said optimal recommended action on a display device; subsequent to said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, receiving an acceptance of said optimal recommended action from a computing unit utilized by an end user; and in response to said receiving said acceptance, automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action includes deleting a first association in a second database table or a second association in said second database table, wherein said first association is an association between said first authorization and said person, wherein said second association is an association between said second authorization and said person, wherein said second database table includes a plurality of authorizations including said second authorization, wherein said plurality of authorizations include one or more permissions that are granted to said person and that allow said person to perform one or more actions provided by one or more applications that include said second application, wherein said one or more applications are included in said multi-application computing environment, and wherein a result of said automatically performing said optimal recommended action is a resolution of said SOD conflict.
 16. The program product of claim 15, wherein said identifying said SOD conflict includes: retrieving one or more authorizations from said plurality of authorizations included in said second database table; subsequent to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, comparing said first authorization and each authorization of said one or more authorizations to each set of reference data of a plurality of sets of reference data stored in a third database table, wherein said plurality of sets of reference data specifies a plurality of SOD conflicts between authorizations owned by said any one person, and wherein said plurality of SOD conflicts includes said SOD conflict; and in response to said comparing, determining that said first authorization and said second authorization are included in a set of reference data of said plurality of sets of reference data, wherein said set of reference data specifies said SOD conflict.
 17. The program product of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises prior to said retrieving said one or more authorizations, receiving a request that includes said person, wherein said request indicates that said person is to be granted said first authorization, wherein said retrieving said one or more authorizations includes searching, in response to said receiving said request, said second database table for any authorization associated with said person based on said person being included in said request, and wherein said searching said second database table includes searching across a plurality of applications of said multi-application computing environment.
 18. The program product of claim 15, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table.
 19. The program product of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; and subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said identifying said SOD conflict, said retrieving said optimal recommended action, said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said first association in said second database table.
 20. The program product of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, assigning said first authorization and said second authorization to said person; subsequent to said assigning and prior to said identifying said SOD conflict, storing said first association and said second association in said second database table; subsequent to said storing said first association and said second association, receiving a request to revalidate a plurality of authorizations that includes said first authorization and said second authorization; subsequent to said receiving said request to revalidate, revalidating said plurality of authorizations, wherein said revalidating includes said identifying said SOD conflict, said retrieving said optimal recommended action, said initiating display of said optimal recommended action, said receiving said acceptance of said optimal recommended action, and said automatically performing said optimal recommended action, wherein said automatically performing said optimal recommended action further includes deleting said second association in said second database table. 